The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the temporary freezing of four Jaiz Bank accounts linked to Mele Kyari, former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, over alleged fraud. Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order following an ex-parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

EFCC counsel Ogechi Ujam told the court that the accounts were under investigation for suspicious transactions and requested time for the commission to conclude its probe. In granting the application, Justice Nwite ruled that the motion was meritorious, thereby approving the temporary freeze pending the outcome of the investigation.

According to the EFCC, the investigation involves allegations of conspiracy, abuse of office, money laundering, misappropriation of funds, and criminal breach of trust. The accounts in question include Jaiz Bank account number 0017922724 in Kyari’s name, as well as accounts belonging to Guwori Community Development Foundation and its Flood Relief fund. The anti-graft agency said the move was necessary to prevent further transactions while inquiries continue.